Situation in 1989 (when ENIL was founded)

Almost all people with extensive disabilities live in parental homes or residential institutions

Very poor access to housing, public buildings and transportation

Poor self-representation in “our” organizations

Situation 2013

Very few have real Personal Assistance, most depend on family or institutions

Access to housing, public buildings and transportation has gotten somewhat better

Organizations controlled and run by non-disabled people still work for our interests tak

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

We have rights but don’t know how to use them

Many other organizations also work for our rights. But we already have rights, for example the right to living independently and being included in the community, as stipulated by Article 19 in the UN Convention. But the convention by itself will not keep us out of residential institutions.